EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A week ago, Jaylon Smith was an NFL player without a team. Released by two different franchises in less than a month, the veteran linebacker was working out in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and hoping another team would give him a shot.
Last Friday, the Giants did, signing Smith to their practice squad. On Saturday, he was added to the roster as a COVID-19 replacement. And on Sunday, Smith played 17 snaps and had four tackles (three solo) against the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in 2016 and cut him on Oct. 6. Monday, he was formally signed to the Giants roster.
How, exactly, did Smith make the meteoric rise from unemployed to contributing linebacker in three days?
"I'm a pro," he said. "I'm a pro's pro, a guy that's always going to be prepared and ready for the opportunity, so that's really what it was. I've been playing this game since I was seven years old, so getting in here learning the system. The coaches are doing a great job at giving me the basics and allowing me to go out and just play my game."
Asked to appraise his performance, Smith said, "I did well. There's so much more to improve, and that's the focus this week, getting the playbook all the way down and getting ready to get after the Eagles this weekend (Sunday in Philadelphia)."
Smith, 6-2 and 240 pounds, was considered a virtual lock to be a first-round draft choice before tearing two knee ligaments playing in the final game for Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. The Cowboys selected him early in the second round, No. 34 overall, and Smith sat out his first pro season rehabbing his knee.
He returned to the field in 2017 and did not miss a game for four seasons, starting each one in the final three years. In 2019, he collected 142 tackles (83 solo) and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Last year, he tallied a career-high 154 tackles, including 24 in two games against the Giants.
Smith's career took a different trajectory this year. After his release by Dallas, Smith played two games for the Green Bay Packers, who let him go on Nov. 2
"It's a humbling experience," Smith said. "It's my first year really dealing with the politics and business side of the National Football League, but I'm a guy that I've been through so much, nothing can stop me. I'm a guy that's going to continue to work, continue to learn. Just a humble servant. But a guy that's young (26) and got a lot of ball left playing at a high level. It was a blessing to be able to show that versus the team that drafted me last weekend. Now, it's just about moving forward."
After leaving Green Bay, Smith moved back to Fort Wayne, where he worked out at Traction Athletic Performance. "(The trainers were) just doing a great job at keeping me in shape, keeping me fine-tuned for when the opportunity presented itself," Smith said.
Like so many players this season, Smith got his chance because others were sidelined by COVID-19. Last week, linebackers Oshane Ximines and Cam Brown were placed on the COVID reserve list. The Giants reached out to Smith to fill one of their roster vacancies.
"It was a blessing," Smith said. "I got the call from my agent saying that the Giants were calling and asking about me. I was actually working out when they called me, and my phone was dead, so I didn't get a chance to answer right away, but I hopped in the sauna afterward and got the news. So, I headed out and I'm here. It feels great."
It felt even better on his second snap against the Cowboys when Smith cut across the field and dropped running back Tony Pollard after a two-yard gain on what might otherwise have been a long run after a short pass. Smith made the tackle near the Dallas sideline and promptly looked at his former teammates and coaches as if to say, "I'm back."
"A blessing to be out there playing the game I love," he said. "Being able to make a dynamic play on my second play out there, it's just a great opportunity getting a chance to hit somebody. It just happened to be my former teammate and that was a good thing. I got up a little rowdy. All respect though. All respect."
Smith is wearing jersey No. 45, which his running back brother, Rod, another former Cowboy, wore in stints with the Giants in the 2019 offseason and for three weeks on the practice squad in 2020.
"It's a blessing being able to wear my brother's jersey," he said. "He spent some time here in New York wearing 45. It's all in the family. He's training and he's ready, staying patient. For me, it's just about going out there and competing at a high level and adding value to the team."
That mission is already accomplished.
View some of the top photos from the career of veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith.
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jaylon Smith (45)
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New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 18 football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday January 9th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
Jaylon Smith (45)
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New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Jaylon Smith (45)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) during a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jaylon Smith (45)
Jaylon Smith (45)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (45) before a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
Jaylon Smith (45)
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Jaylon Smith (45)
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Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) sets up for a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) defends during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 41-21. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) runs toward the play during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates after the play during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) pursues the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Linebacker (9) Jaylon Smith of the Dallas Cowboys against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the Chargers 20-17. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith tracks the play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys defenders including Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates after a play during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Linebacker (9) Jaylon Smith of the Dallas Cowboys against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the Chargers 20-17. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) readies for the play in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David Berding)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) participates in a drill before the start of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David Berding)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) returns a fumble by Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 41-33. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) looks on against the Washington Football Team in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith tracks the play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 27. 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) returns a Washington Football Team's Alex Smith interception for a long gain in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) returns an interception against the Washington Football Team in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates a recovered fumble during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL Football game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in action in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David Berding)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Arizona won 38-10. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys' Jaylon Smith (54) as Demarcus Lawrence (90) watches during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
NFC inside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54), of the Dallas Cowboys, stops AFC running back Derrick Henry (22), of the Tennessee Titans, after running for yardage during the second half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
NFC linebacker Jaylon Smith of the Dallas Cowboys competes in the Gridiron Guantlet at the 2020 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown Wednesday, January 22, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. The event will be broadcast tomorrow at 9pm ET on ESPN. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
NFC inside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54), of the Dallas Cowboys, stops AFC running back Derrick Henry (22), of the Tennessee Titans, after running for yardage during the second half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) grabs an interception against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
NFC linebacker Jaylon Smith, of the Dallas Cowboys, during a practice for the NFL Pro Bowl football game Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) advances the ball after an interception against the Washington Redskins during the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith tracks the play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith tracks the play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) looks on in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates after sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys' Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates sacking Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Washington Redskins tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (87) is taken down by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates after sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage (27) during the second half of a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) lines up against the New York Giants late in the second half of a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith walks on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. Dallas beat Miami 31-6. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith tracks the play during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is hit by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) and stopped short of the goal line in the first half of an NFL football game, in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) recovers a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fumble and returns it for a touchdown as offensive tackle Donovan Smith (76) gives chase in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) scores a touchdown after recovering a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fumble in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff passes under pressure from Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith during the first half in an NFL divisional football playoff game Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL game in Arlington, Texas Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Andy Jacobsohn)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith, rear, lines up against Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFC wild-card NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019.(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL game in Arlington, Texas Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Andy Jacobsohn)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends during the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. The Dallas Cowboys won 31-23. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, left on field, looks on as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) scores a touchdown after recovering a Winston fumble in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends in the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) fumbles as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) fumbles as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) rushes against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith defends against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, front left, picks up a ball fumbled by Air Force quarterback Nate Romine, back left, as Notre Dame linebacker Carlo Calabrese, front right, covers in the third quarter of Notre Dame's 45-20 victory in an NCAA football game in Air Force Academy, Colo., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) waits at the line against Navy during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Notre Dame cornerback Cole Luke, left, celebrates with Jaylon Smith after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame defeated Stanford 17-14. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) waits at the line against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) waits at the line against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Navy fullback Chris Swain (37) fumbles the football as Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) goes after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Navy fullback Chris Swain (37) tries to recover his fumble as Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) and linebacker Greer Martini (48) go after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Notre Dame linebacker Joe Schmidt, left, celebrates his interception against Purdue with linebacker Jaylon Smith during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Notre Dame defeated Purdue 30-14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Notre Dame defeated Wake Forest 28-7. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith smiles after an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith celebrates a tackle for a loss against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith intercepts away from Southern California Nelson Agholor the 14-10 Notre Dame victory in a game Saturday Oct. 19, 2013 in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
In this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 photo, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith calls out defensive alignments during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, in South Bend, Ind. Jaylon Smith is hard to keep track of. Sometimes he lines up at weakside linebacker spot and rushes the passer. Other times he lines up in the same spot and drops back in coverage. Other times he slides out to play strongside linebacker. Still other times he lines up at defensive end. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, front left, knocks down Air Force wide receiver Colton Huntsman (14) after Huntsman pulled in a pass in the third quarter of Notre Dame's 45-20 victory in an NCAA college football game in Air Force Academy, Colo., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
FILE - In this Sept. 6, 2014, file photo, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith celebrates a tackle for a loss against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. Jaylon Smith is always up for a challenge. Now, the Notre Dame linebacker must assume greater leadership with Joe Schmidt out for the season and the No. 8 Fighting Irish next facing No. 11 Arizona State on the road. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
In this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 photo, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, right, makes a tackle on Massachusetts' Jamal Wilson, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. Jaylon Smith is hard to keep track of. Sometimes he lines up at weakside linebacker spot and rushes the passer. Other times he lines up in the same spot and drops back in coverage. Other times he slides out to play strongside linebacker. Still other times he lines up at defensive end. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Wake Forest running back Tyler Bell (27) is tacked by Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith looks on during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith celebrates a tackle for a loss against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith speaks with reporters during media day for the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Notre Dame plays Ohio State on New Year's Day. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015. Notre Dame defeated Georgia Tech 30-22. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, right, sacks Texas quarterback Jerrod Heard during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, right, tackles Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith intercepts the ball thrown to Southern California wide receiver Nelson Agholor during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2015, file photo, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) is shown during an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest in South Bend, Ind. Football fans see the NFL's annual scouting combine as merely a numbers game that comes down to the times, jumps and drills they see on television. NFL executives are more interested in getting behind-the-scenes answers through medical checks and personal interviews. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
*The Giants announced after practice that Kadarius Toney was activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The rookie wide receiver, who had quad and oblique injuries before going on the reserve list, has not played since Nov. 22 at Tampa Bay.
Wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert, asked if he had hope Toney will be able to play against the Eagles Sunday, said, "I've got my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that he'll be ready to come back."
Coach Joe Judge said two players still on the list, Ximines and defensive back J.R. Reed joined Toney in returning today to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. But Tolbert might have to keep his extremities crossed for a while.
"All three of them will work with the trainers at least to start practice to see where they're at, to ramp them up," Judge said prior to practice. "We'll see if there's any opportunity on the back end of practice even with some kind of a walkthrough with the team or where they would be. We'd have to remove them from the list and activate them to the roster to include them in team activities. First priority is to see where they are physically. Obviously, the trainers will check with them in terms of just how they feel. They've cleared all those tests, they've tested negative to get back in the building, but the bigger part will be getting them out here and seeing where they are from a standpoint of inactivity for the last week-and-a-half as well as the symptoms they had to deal with."
Like Toney, cornerback Adoree' Jackson was sidelined with an injury (quad) before going on the reserve list. That increases the degree of difficulty to get them ready to play in a short amount of time.
"That's definitely a different challenge because you've got to consider not only coming off of the inactivity and the symptoms, (but) you also have to consider where they're at with the injury," Judge said. "They haven't really been able to be with our trainers, they haven't been able to do a lot of the rehab and activity on the field. That's just a natural setback right there. Just not having them out here, that's an issue you've got to deal with."
"You're concerned about guys like Adoree' that are you playing with fire a little bit if you try to get them back and get them ramped up within that one-day report of getting directly into the game? So, there are some things we have to consider with that. We are able to check in with the players and see if they're doing anything as far as just physically moving around, but we can't advise them to do anything until we know they're symptom-free and it's okay to clear them through some kind of a ramp-up."
*Guard Ben Bredeson (ankle) was the only Giants player to miss practice today. Rookie running back Gary Brightwell, who didn't participate yesterday, worked on a limited basis today.
The six players who were limited yesterday were in the same category today: running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), fullback Cullen Gillaspia (shin), tight end Kyle Rudolph (ankle), tackle Andrew Thomas (ankle), and defensive linemen Leonard Williams (triceps) and Austin Johnson (foot).
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